UC and SMP?

[Jomummy1013]

Hi all. I had my baby in January. I am a single parent with no financial contributions from baby's dad. I have three older kids who see their dad and we share care.
Anyway I am digressing! I went on maternity leave middle of December. I am a civil servant, and I received full pay for 26 weeks. My UC amount was as normal with deductions as per my earnings. The pay I have just received from my employer is now just statutory maternity pay (I can claim this for 3 months) but my UC statement reflects me getting a normal salary so my income is reduced massively. I thought the UC would top up my SMP, my baby is so young and I didn't want to return to work just yet as she's not even six months but I will have to if the UC doesn't bump it up. I am a low earner, and my income for 3 days work is under 16k. I am not sure how it works. When I had my first three I was married and didn't have to navigate this situation. 😢
I've sent the UC team a message in my journal but I am really worried now as I can't afford to live this month with even a small deficit, my money is really tight.
Has anyone been in this situation? ❤️

I am planning to return in 2 months time. Forgot to add that.

UC will be based on the wages you received in your assessment period.
What dates is your assessment period and when does your employer normally pay you?

Your smp will be treated as your earnings, you will not be topped up to what you normally earn.

When were you last paid by the civil service and what are the start/end dates of your AP?

Thank you all. OK now I am worried!!
I've just looked and my assessment period is 28th to 27th of the month. So this assessment period is 28th May to 27th June. My 26 weeks maternity leave ended on 14th June. I am paid on the last working day of the month.
I've royally fucked up! I shouldn't have assumed it would have all worked out with no problems or without me checking it all. So I guess my UC next month from assessment period 28th June to 27th July will reflect the lesser income. Oh shit. Thank you all 💕💕

So you were paid full pay for all of May with payment on 31-5-2024 - so that's in the AP ending 27 June.

You were presumably paid yesterday for the 14 days in June you were on full pay plus approx 2 weeks SMP. That will fall in the current AP, 28 June to 27 July.

First AP on SMP only will be 28 July to 27 August.